Of course, not every fighter who participates on the reality show gets a UFC contract. But those who do make it could give the seasoned vets more opportunities to stay busy.

“With the little guys being the lesser entertainment, which I don’t completely understand, everything’s slowed down for us,” said Ortiz, whose preliminary-card bouts airs on FS1 from Nilson Nelson Gymnasium in the Brazilian capital of Brasilia.

Ortiz made his UFC debut in 2013, one year after the promotion debuted the 125-pound division. He quickly got to work and fought five times in his first calendar year. But after racking up a 3-2 record, he noticed his career seemed to stall, with his next two fights coming within 14 months.

The fight with Formiga, who’s the No. 5 fighter in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA flyweight rankings, comes nine months after his previous appearance, a decision loss to No. 7 Reis at UFC on FOX 18 in January.

“I’m not sure what program they have me on, but I’m ready to take a fight at any time,” Ortiz said.

A fierce and sometimes unpolished talent inside the cage, Ortiz, now No. 10 in the rankings, has already faced many of the top-tier fighters in the division. Fights with lesser-known opponents don’t do as much for his career. But they do help keep him in the running.

“The title shot will come at the perfect time,” he said. “I need to make paydays, anyway.”

Ortiz’s fight with Formiga is far from just a payday; it offers a chance for him to recover some of the momentum he lost when he fell short against Reis. There are still several top-10 fighters he hasn’t faced, so those matchups could be waiting.

But if they’re not, Ortiz will happily take fights to stay busy and ready himself when his moment arrives.

“Some people only get the title opportunity one time,” he said. “I’ve got to make sure I’m ready for it.”